Free Women’s Menstrual Products Required By Law in Scotland
Scotland has passed The Period Products Act which will require local Scottish authorities to provide free women's menstrual products to anyone who needs them.
Scotland has passed The Period Products Act which will require local Scottish authorities to provide free women’s menstrual products to anyone who needs them. The bill passed legislation unanimously on Tuesday.
The Period Products Act follows a four-year campaign advocating for period poverty – a struggle to routinely pay for menstrual products. Research by the group Women for Independence revealed that nearly one in five women had experienced period poverty.
The effort was lead by Scottish Labor’s health spokeswoman, Monica Lennon, who stated “This will make a massive difference to the lives of women and girls and everyone who menstruates. There has already been great progress at a community level and through local authorities in giving everyone the chance of period dignity.”
The Act will further cement into law a requirement for schools and places of higher education to provide period products for free. A requirement that was announced by first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, in 2017.
The Period Products Act is estimated to cost the government about $11.6 million annually.
© 2023 Enfield Media Group LLC - All Rights Reserved.